Mas Información

Simple Plan:
Hands up, who’s sick of debating what is or isn’t “punk”? If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already made up your mind about Simple Plan. But maybe it’s time to forget what you know, because Simple Plan couldn’t care less about people’s opinions of them. Simple Plan have spent the last year channeling their energy, positivity and, yes, sometimes frustration, into their music. And no matter how you want to label their music, the 11 songs on the band’s highley anticipated second album, Still Not Getting Any… proves that SP are not a punk band, a pop band, a rock band or whatever label you can come up with… they are just a great band… a band that strives to write great songs and put on a hell of a show!

Admittedly, a lot has happened since the Montreal, Canada band—vocalist Pierre Bouvier, drummer Chuck Comeau, bassist David Desrosiers and guitarists Sebastien Lefebvre and Jeff Stinco—released No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls… in the spring of 2002. Aside from selling a couple of million albums, the group have shared the stage with everyone from Rancid to Aerosmith; made appearances on the Vans Warped Tour for three years running (two as Headliners), and been nominated for four MTV Video Music Awards—not bad for five kids who used to tour in their parents’ station wagon.

“Songs about cars and partying do nothing for me,” explains Comeau. “I like songs where I listen and it makes me shiver.” That said, you may want to don a parka while listening to Still Not Getting Any…, because it’s packed with shiver-worthy moments: “Crazy,” chronicles the insecurities each of us go through on a daily basis (yes, even if you’re a rock star), while “Perfect World,” struggles to make sense out of loss. However, for a while, it looked like these songs would never come together.

“For us songwriting is a craft we really have to work hard at,” admits Comeau. After the band wrapped their first U.S. headlining tour with MxPx last February, Comeau and Bouvier spent three months in Vancouver writing every single day for the new album, throwing away more ideas than they came away with. “At first we had trouble coming up with stuff we loved, so we just kept writing and writing… never giving up. After months of doing this and pushing each other, it just came together,“ Bouvier explains. ‘Perfect World’ was one of the first good songs that we got, and from there the songs just started coming out of us like a waterfall.”

When it came time to record, the band enlisted famed producer Bob Rock (the man behind some of Metallica’s, Mötley Crüe’s and Bon Jovi’s biggest records). The vision behind Still Not Getting Any… was simple… the band would not restrict themselves to the punk genre, which ironically seems to have more rules than one can keep track of these days.

“I think on the first record we just wanted to write a pure pop-punk record, and on this one we didn’t care—we just wanted to write good songs,” explains Comeau. Bouvier has a fitting analogy for the band’s approach: “As an artist, why limit yourself to just doing certain things?” he asks aloud. “It’s like being a painter; do you decide to only use seven or eight colors, or blend the colors together and make the most beautiful painting possible. From the deeply personal story behind the album’s lead single “Welcome To My Life” to the insanely exhilarating guitar solo on “Promise”, this illustrates the band’s approach to songwriting.

Granted, Still Not Getting Any… isn’t going to be in the trip-hop section of any record store, but there are some surprises, be it the subtle but powerful interludes in “Shut Up”, the cool and yet intricate drum loop on “Perfect World”, the beautiful string section and touching lyrics you can hear on “Untitled”, or the epic string arrangement on “One.” “Thank You” recalls the early 90’s melodic punk bands who influenced Comeau and Bouvier’s old hardcore band, Reset.

The record is a bit different from the first one, but it’s still us,” Lefebvre is quick to point out. However, although Simple Plan are open to experimenting with the formula that made them famous, their biggest concern is not letting down their fans, because, that’s who this album is for. “The connection between us and our fans is the most important thing we have,” explains Desrosiers. “They’ll ultimately be the ones who make or break our album, not some music critic who’s already made his or her mind up about us,” Stinco adds. “Without them, I would probably be working a nine-to-five job that I hate.”

In the end, the band speak best though their lyrics, and during “Shut Up” when Bouvier sings, “Nothing you say today will ever bring me down,” it’s not calculated rebellion—it’s the truth. So, whose side are you on?

IN HEARTS WAKE:
..

..
..
.... ..

In Hearts Wake emerged from Byron Bay in early 2006 as a 5-piece metalcore fellowship (all born in 1990). Over their teenage years In Hearts Wake toured relentlessly and independently released both ‘Into The Storm’ and ‘The Gateway’.

....IHW have played with many well renowned acts such as Blessed By A Broken Heart (CAN), Oh Sleeper (USA), For Today (USA), The Amity Affliction and The Red Shore to name a few. IHW integrate a balance of heaviness and melody to create their own unique sound.

....This built the foundations for a loyal fan base and gained the attention of ‘Collateral Manage’, and Producer/Engineer Dan Brown (Confession, 50 Lions).

....In June of 2010 In Hearts Wake entered the studio with Dan Brown to record their 3rd CD release. Their latest CD a 6-track ‘Split’ effort with Sydney’s progressive metal outfit ‘The Bride.’

....You can purchase their highly anticipated 2010 ’Split’ in stores and online (www.inheartswake.bigcartel.com) through New Justice Records + MGM Distribution.
To hear and see more visit: ..www.facebook.com/inheartswake

Mayday Parade:
This Tallahassee group formed when two local bands, Kid Named Chicago and Defining Moment decided to put their talents together in 2006. Soon after and still without a name, the pop-punk group went into the studio and recorded their first EP, Tales Told by Dead Friends. They finally decided on a name, released the EP, and Mayday Parade went on to book tour dates as the opener for Plain White T's. Blending emo, pop, and alt-rock, Mayday Parade concert dates are emotionally charged and energetic-- all of which combines to result in rave live show reviews from fans and critics alike.

After gaining attention from A&R execs at Fearless Records, the group was signed and in January, 2007 they hit the studio to record their first LP, A Lesson in Romantics. Right before the release date, lead singer Jason Lancaster, left the band for undisclosed reasons. Mayday Parade hauled on and released the record, which became an indie hit and peaked at #8 on the BIllboard Heatseekers chart. In support of the album, Mayday Parade tour dates were booked on the 2007 Vans Warped Tour and as part of The Give it a Name Festival in Sheffield and London. Further Mayday Parade concert dates were scheduled in 2008 at the Vans Warped Tour and the Compromising of Integirty, Morality, and Principles in Exchange for Money Tour.

The band hit the studio in 2009 to record a follow-up to their moderately successful debut. What ended up being Anywhere but Here, was released in 2009 and peaked at #31 on the Billboard 200 as a result of their loyal following. Mayday Parade concert dates were scheduled once again at the Vans Warped Tour 2010 and they co-headlined the UK tour, The Maine. Following a hectic touring schedule, Mayday Parade released a stripped-down acoustic EP entitled Valdosta in March, 2011.

Whether they are paring it down with their acoustic guitars or rockin' their punk-emo material, Mayday Parade tour dates are the hottest ticket in town since New Found Glory. Fans will not want to miss out on the opportunity to see these guys live. Stay informed: use Eventful as your source for all the latest Mayday Parade concert schedule updates for tour dates through 2011 and beyond.

Reel Big Fish:
While its been more than fifteen years since their hit, "Sell-Out", hit the airwaves, Reel Big Fish continues to pack venues across the country each year. The ska-punk rockers who helped define the So-Cal ska scene in the late-90s have been rockin' out for nearly two decades and show no signs of slowing down.

Frontman Aaron Barrett formed the ska-infused band in Huntington Beach in 1992. After releasing a demo that year, the band self-released their debut album, Everything Sucks, in 1995 on Piss Off Records. The album was a success for an independently released debut and reached #106 on the Billboard 200. The effort brought Reel Big Fish a record deal with Mojo Records who released their sophomore album, Turn the Radio Off, in 1996. Reel Big Fish tour dates were scheduled around the US and they were largely hailed for bringing Ska music to new audiences nationwide. Their signature single, "Sell Out" became a hit on MTV and on radio, reaching the top ten on Billboard's modern rock format. They released their third album, Why Do They Rock So Hard? and they recorded a cover of "Take On Me" in 1998, when the song and the band appeared in BASEketball. Following a promotional tour, Reel Big Fish's original line-up ended and Barrett searched for new members.

After a four year absence, Reel Big Fish released Cheer Up!, and they scored another hit with "Where have You Been". Reel Big Fish tour dates were scheduled in smaller venues nationally and they maintained a hectic touring schedule in their So-Cal home to play to their loyal fans. They released the concert DVD The Show Must Go Off! in 2003 before releasing their fourth album, We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy, showcasing their sense of humor. Reel Big Fish embarked on a tour throughout 2006 and were subsequently dropped from their label and started their own imprint. In 2007, they released their first independent album, Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free. Reel Big Fish tour dates were scheduled on Warped Tour 2008 and they worked on new material for their next album.

In 2011, they released A Best of Us for the Rest of Us, which was an acoustic album of re-recorded material. In January, the band announced that they will embark on a 20th Anniversary Reel Big Fish Tour which has the band traversing the nation. They are ska legends in their own right and will be playing shows for years to come. Don't miss a date on Reel Big Fish's latest tour; use Eventful as your source for Reel Big Fish tour dates and concert schedule information.

Less Than Jake:
Less than Jake brought the Ska movement to the forefront of the Southern California music scene alongside No Doubt and Reel Big Fish during the mid-90s. Their racing guitar riffs and infectious melodies captivated audiences around the nation and they scored several hits over the course of the past two decades. They released their most recent album, GNV FLA, an homage to their native Gainesville, Florida in 2008 and have been on tour ever since to promote their latest effort. Don't miss a tour date on the Less Than Jake concert schedule; Use Eventful as your source for Less Than Jake tour dates and concert schedule information.

Fronted by Chris Demakes, the group formed during high school in 1992 and released their demo Pezcore which garnered them attention from Capitol Records who signed them in 1996. Their major label debut, Losing Streak was released in 1996 and Less Than Jake hit the road booking tour dates on the 1997 Warped Tour. Their riotous live shows garnered them national attention and Less Than Jake booked tour dates on the Caffeine Nation Tour and the Race Around Uranus Tour with Blink 182. They released their breakthrough album, Hello Rockview in 1998 and scored a hit with "History of a Boring Town". In 2000, Less Than Jake tour dates were booked on Bon Jovi's North American tour and they gained exposure to a mainstream audience.

For the rest of the decade, Less Than Jake maintained a hectic touring schedule appearing at the 2001 Warped Tour and touring with Bad Religion in 2002. They released their biggest commercial release to-date in 2003, Anthem, which featured the hit "The Science of Selling Yourself Short". Less than Jake tour dates were booked on the 2004 Projekt Revolution Tour alongside Linkin Park and Korn. Less Than Jake continues to record and tour and released the EP TV/EP in 2011. In addition to recording their next LP, Less Thank Jake tour dates have been booked on the 2011 Warped Tour and they have individual headlining concerts scheduled periodically throughout the year. Don't miss a date on the Less Than Jake concert calendar; Stay up-to-date with Less Than Jake tour dates using Eventful.

We The Kings:
We the Kings is one of the latest up-and-coming pop punk bands to enter the mainstream, even with only two albums out. Over the past several years, We the Kings have been found on tour dates with some of the biggest names in pop punk and hardcore, including The Maine, Never Shout Never, and Mayday Parade. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of We the Kings' latest album, Sunshine State of Mind, on July 12. In the meantime, the band can be found on their summer concert schedule in 2011, including tour dates in Australia.

Guitarist and lead singer Travis Clark, guitarist Hunter Thomsen, his younger brother and bassist Drew, and drummer Danny Duncan had all been friends since they were kids. In 2003, they decided to form a band and began posting tracks on Purevolume four years later. In no time at all, We the Kings released their eponymous album which contained the hit, breakout single, "Check Yes Juliet." This led to major tour dates in support of bands like Boys Like Girls and Cobra Starship, in addition to performing on the 2008 Warped Tour.

We the Kings released Smile Kid in 2009, which was praised for its broadening of the band's sound. The album did well on the charts and launched We the Kings into the next echelon of fame. They played tour dates on the 2009 Bamboozle Roadshow Tour , which was followed by their first headlining tour dates on the Hot Topic Presents: Take Action Tour. We the Kings continued to headline tours, including dates with I See Stars and their friends The Maine and Never Shout Never.

We the Kings are heading out on more headlining tours this summer on their 2011 concert schedule. Beginning on July 7, We the Kings will embark on a number of tour dates throughout the US, including mall concerts and appearances at Six Flags theme parks. They will be supported by The Summer Set, The Downtown Fiction, Hot Chelle Rae, and Action Item before heading to Australia on August 27. We the Kings will only play five tour dates in Australia before their 2011 concert schedule ends on September 1, so buy your tickets today!

mychildren mybride:
Metal from the south.

Every Time I Die:
Buffalo-based metalcore quintet Every Time I Die formed in the winter of 1998. Spearheaded by brothers Keith (vocals) and Jordan Buckley (guitar), the founding lineup also included guitarist Andrew Williams, bassist John McCarthy, and drummer Michael "Ratboy" Novak. During their first short tour of New York and Canada, the fledgling group befriended Goodfellow Records chief Chris Logan, who released their debut EP, The Burial Plot Bidding War, in 2000. Bassist Aaron Radaczyk replaced McCarthy prior to recording Every Time I Die's first full-length effort, Last Night in Town, issued via Ferret Records in the spring of 2001. The band supported the album on tour with Killswitch Engage, and in the summer of 2002 joined the annual Warped Tour. Another bassist swap brought on Steven Micciche, who joined Every Time I Die in time for their 2003 sophomore effort, Hot Damn!, as well as a U.S. tour in support of Jackass alum Steve-O. In early 2005 Micciche resigned from the lineup, prompting the addition of ex-Between the Buried and Me bassist Kevin Faulk, who was ousted just three months later following sessions for the band's third LP, Gutter Phenomenon. Former Nora bassist Chris Byrnes was named his replacement. Phenomenon was released that August and touring commenced. The guys spent summer 2006 on the main stage at Warped, after which Byrnes announced he too would be exiting the group. Undeterred, the guys soon brought on bassist number six, ex-The Chariot's Keller Harbin, and continued touring through November alongside Atreyu and From First to Last before beginning work on their next album. Every Time I Die also released the DVD Shit Happens in late October, and soon after, the band entered the studio with producer Steve Evetts (Dillinger Escape Plan, Saves The Day) and began work on 2007's The Big Dirty.

Unearth:
Hailing from Massachusetts, the virtual metal and hardcore capital of North America, Unearth bring a new sense of talent with charismatic riffs, thought provoking lyrics and pummeling breakdowns. Unearth masterfully combine an intoxicating mix of American and European metal with hardcore ethic and punch. This unique approach makes Unearth one of the most abrasive, commanding and emotionally charged groups in the underground scene today.

The Maine:
Graduating high school early is nothing for a band when you have already graduated from the school of rock with honors. The Maine have taken no classes, were given no grades, and had no teachers. Hailing from Phoenix, AZ all they had was a gut feeling that the music they were playing rocked and inspired kids nationwide. Now, riding a wave of melodic lines and infectious hooks, The Maine is making their way to your ears with their debut EP, The Way We Talk on December 11, 2007.

The Maine formed in January of 2007. After junior year, when most students look forward to slacking off as seniors, The Maine asked two members to graduate early so that they can share their music with the rest of the world. You see, seven periods a day is just seven periods too long for The Maine who can't wait to get home to write more tunes. Bassist Garrett Nickelsen honestly states, "School has never really been number one for me, I have always tried to focus on the band so I'm ready to really get this band going." Now already juggling music video shoots, recording sessions and concerts, The Maine actually had the ink dry on their record contract before it dries on their diploma.

The Maine started when Pat and Garret were sick of jumping from garage band to garage band and wanted to take their unique vision of what music should be to the big time. John, Kennedy and Jarred all had similar ideas and the band knew they had the final line up as the hits and lyrics kept writing themselves. The Maine didn't want to continue in the screamo trend that they felt was swallowing their local music scene. They wanted to create a new sound and began drawing influences from 90's radio alternative bands. Meshing styles like indie, pop and rock can sound forced, often imitating other bands without a hint of originality, but for The Maine mixing a wide variety of genres just sounds natural. Every Maine song begs for an immediate repeat.

After gathering a huge following through Myspace, The Maine played their first show in front of over 600 fans, acquired solely through word of mouth and this social networking site. Scouts from almost every major and indie record label were present waiting in line to sign them after their jaw dropping performance. Jarred loves every minute on stage, "Playing live is the reason we exist. The energy that we feel on stage is usually a result of what we are feeling from our fans. It's just us conveying our experiences and feelings through our presence, and thriving off of the response we get. Garrett adds to our performance, he has a strong way of communicating with the crowd. When we see Garret going crazy it reminds us all of why we love what we do." The Maine's amazing live performances caught the eye of Fearless Records (Plain White T's, Sugarcult and Rock Kills Kid) and booking agent Matt Galle (My Chemical Romance, Boys Like Girls and HelloGoodbye.)

ICE NINE KILLS:
Ice Nine Kills, the band named after the ultimate weapon of mass destruction from Kurt Vonnegut's novel Cat's Cradle, will, like its namesake, awe you. On their new album The Predator Becomes The Prey, Ice Nine Kills seamlessly weaves soaring melodies with the raw emotion and aggression of post-hardcore and metal. The band utilizes multi-textured guitar hooks, a dual vocal attack and a pummeling rhythm section, which grabs the listener by the throat and refuses to let go.

The drive and dedication of Ice Nine Kills has made a lasting impression on fans the world over, which creates an electric energy at their live shows. "It's always an amazing feeling to show up in a place you have never played before like Dallas, TX or Orlando, FL and have kids scream your lyrics back to you," says vocalist Spencer Charnas. "We were absolutely blown away by the reaction we had from the kids at Vans Warped Tour and The All Stars Tour this past summer."

The Predator Becomes The Prey follows studio albums Last Chance to Make Amends (2006) and Safe Is Just a Shadow (2010).

August Burns Red:
August Burns Red, who initially formed in March of 2003, began this writing process almost immediately after finishing their shattering debut, Thrill Seeker, at the end of 2005, collecting ideas to follow up that disc with something even bigger. The five members of August Burns Red spent almost the entire year and half they were touring in support of Thrill Seeker penning the songs that landed on Messengers, eventually entering the studio in February 2007 in Nashville with Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Himsa, Dark Tranquility, Extol), with whom the fivesome co-produced the album. The group spent the month refining the tracks into the aggressive, pounding songs you hear on the finished album.

Pennywise:
Pennywise formed in 1988 in the south bay of Los Angeles in the same small coastal community of Hermosa Beach that produced three of the most infamous hardcore punk bands of all time, Black Flag, the Circle Jerks and the Descendents. The four band members, guitarist Fletcher Dragge, original bass player Jason Thirsk, drummer Byron McMackin and vocalist Jim Lindberg, began playing local backyard keg parties to increasing crowds, and with the help of friend Marc Theodore of Theologian Records, recorded a five song E.P. A Word from the Wise. A college radio DJ liked what he heard and gave it to Brett Gurewitz, guitarist and songwriter for L.A. punk legends Bad Religion, who was also starting his own label, Epitaph Records. Epitaph was already putting out Bad Religion albums as well as those of hardcore acts NOFX, Insted, and Down By Law. The band gave Brett a ghetto blaster recording of some new songs and he signed them to their first record deal. The result was their heralded, eponymous 1991 self-titled debut which immediately struck a chord with hardcore fans and action sports enthusiasts alike. In defiance of grunge, the disc helped to define the then-emerging West Coast punk movement. Astoundingly, 1993’s Unknown Road sold a few hundred thousand copies and rather typically at the height of the punk resurgence of 1994 the major labels came calling. But the four-piece elected to stay put and released another Epitaph smash with 1995s About Time. When the tragic death of Thirsk the next year put the future of the collective in serious doubt, they rallied and regrouped with new bassist Randy Bradbury for Full Circle. The popularity of Pennywise continued to swell as the 20th Century ended, first with the success of 1999’s Straight Ahead, followed by the riotous 2000 concert disc Live at the Key Club and the groups highly praised 2001 disc Land of the Free? An ensuing tour was highlighted by a sell-out gig at the 14,000-seat Long Beach Arena. After taking a year off for introspection, the group reemerged stronger than ever in 2003 as evidenced by the glowing accolades From The Ashes received. In early 2005, as Epitaph reissued remastered, content enhanced versions of the groups first four albums, the band reconvened to craft what would ultimately become The Fuse. After performing the more shows worldwide than they’ve played in recent years to support The Fuse, including a string of sold out House of Blues shows in L.A. and Orange County, the band again headlined the Vans Warped Tour in 2007, an entity they and a handful of other influential artists help turn into the longest running and one of the most successful American Music Festivals. As of now the band is hard at work on their yet to be titled next album, scheduled for a march 2008 release.

KUBLAI KHAN:
5 lads from the west midlands looking for something abit more fun!

Twiztid:
Pop music is a bloated, rotting corpse and The Wicked Shit is the undead pulse hidden deep within. If you look into the shadows, past the smoke and mirrors of MTV and playlist radio, and into the cold, hard streets, you’ll find the underground of music. A place where innovation thrives and inspiration drives. Unapologetic, unique artists have carved a niche for fans fed up with the glamour-mag faces and spoon-fed lyrics of modern music, and offer them something more.

Where most rappers celebrate the urban lifestyle with the same old themes and the same old image, Twiztid peel away the gloss and expose the innards. With an oversized butcher knife. They take the hard edge of theatrical rock-and-roll and temper it with gritty hip-hop to create a musical monstrosity so dangerously real it must be hidden with facepaint. These aren’t casual gangsters; their painted personas let them explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, from superhero fantasies to horror film legacies. With their ruthless raps, they can explore every recess of their audience’s experiences, every sentimental reflection and every sinister urge. By becoming something unreal, they are free to be real. Whether it’s on-stage devastation or home stereo infiltration, Twiztid’s music will take you somewhere you’ve never been before. The scariest part is when you don’t want to come back…

The History of Twiztid

Madrox and Monoxide, the mindsick masterminds behind Twiztid, have always been driven by impulse. Some might say compulsion. Still others might call it a “homicidal tendency” or “clear case of insanity,” but the jury’s still out on that one. Literally. In fact, that’s all the lawyers will let us say about that.

Uncovering the truth of Twiztid’s early days depends on who you ask, which personality is in control, and which law enforcement agency you represent. Some speculate their first performance on the stage of life was in a petri dish at a science lab. Other sources claim a history of abandonment, rejection, and social isolation, but those are the boring sources. All fingers seem to point at Detroit’s east side, but any real records from that area have been destroyed or confiscated as evidence. Their earliest sightings are scattered but consistent: they usually involve microphones, and they all involve terror, confusion, and an almost hypnotic crowd reaction. And there’s usually a good beat. No matter what incidents or influences explain the origins of Twiztid, one thing is certain: their faces ain’t the only thing they’re hiding.

These are the facts as they can be traced: The duo came out of high school right into Detroit’s emerging underground rap scene. It was the early days of the “horrorcore” genre, which would invade hip-hop as “The Wicked Shit,” and they fit right in. They paid their deadly dues in several recording and performing groups, and one of them got noticed by another act making waves in the Wicked well; ICP thought Madrox and Monoxide would be a natural fit for Psychopathic Records—like the belt on a chainsaw, or an ax in a wound.

Madrox and Monoxide hooked up with the Psychopathic crew, and within the orgy of violence, volume, and facepaint that is “The Label That Runs Beneath the Streets,” Twiztid were conceived. Psychopathic cooked up a promotional campaign that was equal parts insane and innovative to introduce Twiztid to the world. It saw Twiztid behind safety glass in straightjackets at autograph signings. Twiztid wheeling ICP on dollies into events, Hannibal Lecter style. Twiztid in a bloody padded room on the cover of Alternative Press magazine. Twiztid on the Main Stage of the first ever Gathering of the Juggalos music festival (now on its tenth year). The fans were feelin it, like Ritalin kids off their meds, and Twiztid were established as figureheads in the Juggalo world.

Since their debut, Twiztid have released seven full-length albums, plus a maniacal myriad of compilations, collections, EPs, solo albums and side projects. Check them out at www.hatchetgear.com. Their other accomplishments include: Being invited by the G4 Network to perform on Freestyle 101. Being awarded “Album Cover of the Week” on VH1.com. Recording alongside Three 6 Mafia on the multi platinum album “When the Smoke Clears.” Appearing as playable characters in, and on the soundtrack of, the “Backyard Wrestling” Playstation Game. Playing the comic relief in the platinum selling DVD movie “Big Money Hustlas.” Radio interviews on the Howard Stern and Mancow shows. Appearing in WWE storylines.

Their genre-defining, moral-defiling album W.I.C.K.E.D. dropped with killer extras like a comic book, music video DVD, bonus tracks, and autographed, collectible trading cards! Not too bad for two Detroit guys whose daytime fantasy involves a roll of duct tape, a circular saw, and a music critic. The album performed above all expectations, much to the chagrin of the mainstream music industry. It debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200, #4 on the Top Rap Albums chart, and #1 on the Top Independent Albums chart.

Heartbroken & Homicidal is the newest album by Twiztid and they have laid everything out on the line in this latest release. It is a musical odyssey through the bitterness, hate, and malice a person becomes engrossed in while suffering the loss and rejection accompanying everyday life. Twiztid have built their career on horror and what could be more heinous than the real heartache and agony that so many people are facing in this day and age?

Twiztid have made a deep, dark niche for themselves in the music industry, and so long as the glossy mainstream casts a shadow, they’ll be there to expose it for the rest of us…

3OH!3:
3OH!3 doesn't like to brag. Sean Foreman and Nathaniel 'Nat' Motte say that making their loud, distorted, electronic-pop music is not about the trophies and notoriety. No, forming 3OH!3 (named after the duo's area code in Boulder, Colorado) was always about something larger than themselves. It was and remains about being FUN!

If we go back to the beginning, we can find Sean in his parents basement, clicking incessantly on his mouse for 'friend-requests' on 3OH!3's sparkling new MySpace page. Meanwhile, across town, Nat is working on earth-shattering beats, hunched over his computer, in what he charmingly referred to as his 'dungeon' apartment. There, in a pair of blown-out computer speakers, Nat brought to life what the world currently knows as 3OH!3. Those sounds and songs became the band's 2007 self-released album, which were handed off across the states until they fell through the mail slot at Photo Finish Records and into the hands of label president Matt Galle.

Blown away by Sean and Nat's visionary production and clever lyrics, Galle immediately flew the boys into scenic Beltsville, Maryland, to record with the brilliant producer Matt Squire. Feeling at home in the studio, Sean and Nat worked day and night, piecing together their 2008 success, Want. With the help of their furry little producer friend Benny Blanco, 3OH!3's first single, "Don't Trust Me," crawled slowly up the charts for 15 months to attain a No. 1 spot at pop radio, going double platinum and selling over 2.6 million tracks in the process.

3OH!3 hates to brag, but if they had to they would tell you that they were nominated for "Best New Artist" alongside Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, and Drake, at the 2009 Video Music Awards. Though they didn't bring home the moon man, Nat and Sean had just as much fun performing "Don't Trust Me" in Radio City's hallowed halls. Nat was actually happy 3OH!3 wasn't announced best new artist as he claims he would have peed his pants, having not been able to find a bathroom all night. "Drinks impair the ol' judgment," he says.

These two guys are no strangers to national television either. Appearing multiple times on late night TV (Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Call with Carson Daly) and alongside the glittery Ke$ha on American Idol, 3OH!3's learned a few things about working the camera.

I know 3OH!3 would never say this, but they are one of the best live acts in the business. Their dedication to putting on an epic and fun show every night was rewarded by a nomination for the 2009 MTV Woodies' Performance Award alongside artists like Green Day, Animal Collective and Phoenix. These boys sell out shows from the rainy streets of London to the Gold Coast of Australia, where, by no coincidence, their songs have gone gold and platinum and continue to sell by the thousands. It's no wonder that 3OH!3 has been invited to play legendary festivals like Reading and Leads and Warped Tour again and again.

With such a non-stop touring schedule, it must have been a real relief to retreat to their mountain sanctuary in Breckenridge in January to record their next album. In a snowy cabin, far above the world, Sean and Nat went a little crazy, writing as many as two new songs a day for 14 days. "We had all these songs built up over the past couple years," Sean says, "and it was like a mental vomit of all the stuff we had been thinking." This was not gross-tasting vomit, however, this was like roses and gold and everything nice, finally let loose on the world. Before things got weird in the mountains, the boys packed up their gear and headed out to LA to start recording the album that would be known as Streets of Gold.

Back in the studio with the usual suspects Matt Squire and Benny Blanco, 3OH!3 took all they had learned from touring and experience and put it to use. "There are some crazy sounds on this record," Nat says, "It sounds like robots making love." Nothing says love like their first single off the record, "My First Kiss" featuring Ke$ha. "It was like our first kiss with Ke$ha," Nat says, "It was the first time we met her and she definitely used tongue." Within a few hours of being released on iTunes, "My First Kiss" jumped to the no. 2 on the overall song chart.

3OH!3 was very selective when it came to collaborating on Streets of Gold. Having greatly admired his work with Lily Allen and The Bird and the Bee, 3OH!3 sought out producer Greg Kurstin for their own music. "I think Greg has attained a perfect synthesis of electronic and organic music in his work, and he was someone whom I really, really wanted to work with and learn from." Additionally 3OH!3 teamed with Benny Blanco's mentor, hit-smith Dr. Luke on "My First Kiss" and "Streets of Gold" (the title track to the record). With help from those production Titans, it's a safe to say a few more songs off the album might lend "My First Kiss" some company at the top of the charts.

Streets of Gold is the album that 3OH!3 has been struggling to create for their whole musical lives. Showing a wide range of tastes—from the car rattling battle raps of "I Can Do Anything" to the post-apocalyptic love ballad "Love 2012" to the throwback casbah sounds of "I Know How to Say"—3OH!3 has evolved into a super-human machine. With Nat's surgical precision (Nat was destined to be a doctor after all, and has been deferring his acceptance to medical school for a few years) and Sean's one-two punch lines, every song is bound to be permanently engrained in your head. "We try to make music that is fun and comes across live," says Sean. "This album is epic," says Nat, "it has a little piece of everything we like and do. We write and co-produce all our own music, and it was so satisfying to apply all that we learned in the past couple of years."

On the road again, 3OH!3 is testing out the new tracks and making more friends. "We've played some of the new songs without a single fan knowing the lyrics," says Nat, "And people are going fucking BANANAS. It's a great sign!" There are many great signs for 3OH!3 as they take their journey on their own street of gold. Nat, as a writer and producer, has been working with other artists. Sean is keeping busy with his own cowrites—including Ke$ha's platinum selling "Blah Blah Blah"—and as a result was named the #9 Hit Songwriter in the UK by Music Week. The future is looking bright for these two Boulder boys.

Nathaniel Motte and Sean Foreman are two very busy guys. If they aren't filming mini-movies for the deluxe package of Streets of Gold, drawing comic books, or modeling (yes, they are Ford models), they are spending time with their friends or getting outdoors. Sean was crazy enough to sign up for the Chicago Marathon in October, running it to raise money for the American Cancer Society. And Nat is crazy enough to continue his deferral from Medical School at the University of Colorado. What does the future have in store for 3OH!3? "We're going to JAPAN!!!" Nat answers.

Well, that might be true, but I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more from 3OH!3 and then they will have a hell of a lot more to not brag about.

Written by Sean Foreman

Motionless In White:
A rock/screamo band with six members.
Chris-vocals.
Angelo-drums.
TJ-guitar/vocals.
Frank-bass.
Balz-keyboards.
Ryan-guitar.